Author

Ellen Piligian

Ellen is an independent journalist with bylines in many local and national publications. She's also a storyteller, writer of creative non-fiction, poetry, and other forms, including a spoken word show on giving my mother a kidney. She loves human interest stories and profiles related to the arts, culture, and travel. Ellen is increasingly focused on topics like caregiving, mental health, disability, social justice, and end-of-life issues, as well as environmental and animal welfare issues. Bylines have appeared in People magazine (I’m a longtime stringer), the Detroit Free Press, Hour Detroit, Crain’s Detroit Business, national travel publications, and many others. Connect with Ellen on LinkedIn, Substack, or Medium.

Ellen Piligian's Latest Articles

Micro forests attract not only birds and bees but Metro Detroiters, too

By Ellen Piligian

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General

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August 24, 2026

Whether you call them micro, mini, or pocket forests, they are taking root around the world — and in metro Detroit. They help the environment, provide refuge to native species, and respite to people seeking green spaces — especially in urban areas.